The photography for our tough-looking Bare Knuckle leather bicycle grips feature an unique hand model: a friend of ours with "Hold Fast" tattooed on his knuckles. We've always thought his tattoos were beautiful, but only recently did we learn the nautical history behind his iconic tattoo, which we're sharing with you today from the Pacific Northwest coast.
In a recent guest column in our local paper, The Astorian, educator Julia Triezenberg of the Columbia River Maritime Museum shared the history of Historical Maritime Tattoos:
From the earliest days of maritime tattooing, sailors have covered themselves in images that symbolize their lives at sea. Designs represent faraway loved ones, everyday duties, personal triumphs and the many superstitions that dictate life on board...
"Hold Fast" written across the knuckles indicate a sailor's career as a deckhand. It's said that having "Hold Fast" on each of a deckhand's fingers would give them the grip they needed to work with the ship's lines and rigging.
-Julia Triezenberg, Columbia River Maritime Museum
Julia's article goes into much of the history behind maritime tattoos, with more examples and pictures. It's a fascinating and short read - enjoy!
Read the full article here: Historical Maritime Tattoos in The Astorian >>>
Michael Wallace
November 16, 2024
My Father had Hold Fast tattooed on the fingers of both hands. He served in US Navy at the very end of WW2. I’m currently watching Master and Commander staring Russel Crowe and one of the sailors in his command had the same tatoo reminding me of my Father. Been gone many years and still miss him dearly